Weekend Preview! What Will You See?

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

December 20th, 2012

Weekend Preview! What Will You See?

-- “This Is 40” is the latest comedy from Judd Apatow, debuting in theaters nationwide on Friday, December 21. This sequel to “Knocked Up” (2007) switches perspective to follow Debbie, Alison’s sister. Debbie and her husband may seem like a successful couple. However, as they approach middle age, the two are trying to navigate a failing relationship, a hectic family life, and workplace drama. Debbie and Pete will have to develop a good sense of humor if they want to survive 40. The irreverent comedy has an R rating for mature content, crude humor, drug material, and pervasive language.

“Jack Reacher” is a tense new crime drama from director Christopher McQuarrie. Tom Cruise takes on the eponymous role, as an ex-military man who winds up in the middle of a heated investigation. With five innocent victims slain, the authorities are eager to put the suspect behind bars. The alleged killer claims that they have the wrong man. Jack Reacher steps in to solve the case, but things could end up getting worse before they get better. The PG-13 rating is due to language, drug material, and violence.

“Monsters, Inc.” hits theaters for the first time since its original 2001 release, this time in enhanced 3D. Directed by Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich, and David Silverman, the Pixar classic offers a fresh perspective on the classic childhood fear of monsters under the bed. Sulley and Mike may be monsters, but scaring kids is just part of their job. When the human and monster worlds collide in an unexpected way, Sulley has to make some tough decisions to set things right again. “Monsters, Inc.” has a family-friendly G rating.

Director Anne Fletcher’s “The Guilt Trip” opens on December 19. After inventing an organic cleanser that has the potential to change his fortune, Andy sets out to find a distributor. His road trip takes an unexpected turn when he gains a new passenger. His outspoken and irrepressible mother decides to come along for the ride, much to Andy’s dismay. “The Guilt Trip” has a PG-13 rating for language and risqué material.

Kathryn Bigelow directs “Zero Dark Thirty,” a new political drama that explores the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Based on true events, the film traces the events taking place between the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001, and the death of Osama bin Laden in May of 2011. During the decade-long manhunt, everyone from politicians to Navy SEALs struggle to make sense of the tragedy and bring the terrorist to justice. “Zero Dark Thirty” opens on Wednesday, December 19, in select theaters. The movie’s R rating is due to language, strong violence, and disturbing images.

“On the Road” opens in limited theaters on Friday, December 21. The drama draws inspiration from the life and writings of Jack Kerouac, a prominent Beat poet. During a journey across the American landscape, a young writer ends up learning about the strange and dark side of his country, thanks to the influence of two free spirits. “On the Road” has an R rating for drug use, language, and mature content. Walter Salles directs.

Continuing Films

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is the newest fantasy epic from Peter Jackson. Martin Freeman stars as Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who leaves the comfort of his Shire home to explore the rest of Middle Earth. Along with tough-minded dwarves and a wise and cunning wizard, Bilbo hopes to retrieve lost treasure from Smaug, a fearsome dragon. The film’s PG-13 rating is due to intense violence and frightening images.

“Rise of the Guardians” tells the story of Jack Frost, a freewheeling spirit who delights in causing trouble. Everything changes when the Immortal Guardians approach Jack and ask him to help save the world’s human children from the growing threat of Pitch, a malicious Boogeyman. Peter Ramsey directs the animated fantasy, which has a PG rating for mildly scary action and thematic elements.

Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” commemorates one of America’s most iconic presidents. During the last days of the Civil War, the country is in upheaval. Although Abraham Lincoln longs for peace, he knows that time is running out for him to pass a controversial amendment that will banish slavery from United States soil. Lincoln must make tough choices as he guides the country towards true equality. “Lincoln” has a PG-13 rating for intense war violence, carnage, and strong language.

Directed by Sam Mendes, “Skyfall” sees James Bond facing new and complex challenges as he fights for the fate of MI6. The twenty-third Bond film centers on M. When dark aspects of her past reappear and threaten her future, M does not have many allies, but Agent 007 is willing to help. Sam Mendes directs the film, which has a PG-13 rating for mature content, language, smoking, and violence.